Wednesday, 27 December 2017

These 15mm figures are Gladiator miniatures, now
offered by Black Hat Miniatures UK, were purchased a few weeks ago. I am very impressed with them as they are
superb and well detailed figures. Each infantry type comes in different poses
and for gamers who like mixing manufacturers, they are similar in height to Old
Glory, but bases are not quite as thick.

Further, the metal is not as soft as that used by Old Glory but
I was able to separate weapons from figures to better animate the pose. In DBA 3, I/2a the Early
Egyptian (3000 BC – 1690 BC) lists all infantry with the ‘b’ sub-list introducing the chariot for Pharaoh or the usurper to ride in. Other than the command element, the army lists are identical offering the same options.

The camp in the background is a simple embankment made form Milliput and covered with a white glue and sand mix. Inhabiting the camp are extra figures supplied from the Old Kingdom Egyptian command pack.

Black Hat Miniatures will return after the holiday and
I plan to purchase more Biblical figures and add the Hyksos, Nubian and a 2nd
Old Kingdom Egyptian to the collection. The second command of Egyptians is added so civil wars could be played out as was prevalent during the period of the Old and Middle Kingdom. Alternatively, the two Egyptian commands can be paired together to fight the Hyksos with Libyan allies for a double sized battle.

Sunday, 24 December 2017

After completion of the three Biblical armies I
decided to construct an ancient Egyptian village before my next order of
Biblical figures arrive. As with other BUA in my collection, each house is
based separately to allow its removal when troop movement through the built up
area is needed.

These were relatively easy to construct. Using pink
foam board as its core, each block was glued to a base made of triplex basswood
(1.2 mm). This is then covered with Milliput and with an old toothbrush the
walls and roof are given a texture, followed by adding the windows and doors.

Given an undercoat of mat white, the walls were
painted an earth colour and later dry brushed white. This last step was lightly
done to give the buildings a weathered and uneven look. The village is inspired
by the game movie – Assassin’s Creed Origins, were many of the buildings have
decorative trim around its door and windows. As to what colour this should be is
still up for debate, but which ever colour is chosen, this will also have a faded
look to it.

The answer will no doubt come after the village has
been in use for a number of games, but for now the village is ready for use. Now
I can begin painting the Old Kingdom Egyptians.

Tuesday, 19 December 2017

In one of those rare moments between fighting
historical games, I wanted to do some painting but found I had no unpainted
lead in house. You see, I am at a fortunate point with the hobby that all my
collections are painted so this frees me to pursue the fighting of battles, design
campaigns, and if needed write variant rules to use with DBA 3.

After the recent sale of a dozen armies, I kept
stumbling across a box of Biblical extras from collections which had long ago
been sold. I had seriously thought about trashing the lot as these were all
painted in a very old style. After taking stock of the figures I had enough to
make three Biblical armies. If you are acquainted with Old Glory figures, you
are aware many of their figures have weapons held close to their bodies or head. Cutting the weapon free can be done, but this
requires a good dose of patience.

The project took about two weeks to complete, but as
you can see from the photos, the extra work was worth it. All javelins and bow are
positioned to make them look ‘lively’ and each army is painted with a theme
colour as the figures are basically identical.

I/6a
Early Bedouin

Their skin tone is bronzed in comparison to the other
two. Their kilts are darker compared to the others and I have given them
leather headbands.

Before:

After:

I/7a
Early Libyan

Skin tone is a lighter shade than the Bedouin. Cloaks
are painted in solid colour with contrasting trim. Feathers are all white with
the exception of the chieftain’s element which are red. There are extra bow
elements if one wishes to use the option.

Before:

After:

I/15
Later Amorite

These represent a wealthier group of warriors and I have therefore painted them
with lighter coloured kilts, the majority of which are bleached. Javelins have been converted to war axes and sickle swords to make five elements of blade. The blue serves as a theme colour appearing on the trim and waist band. The platform car
was given extra mules from the Colonial baggage set and the car is constructed
from a limber covered with triplex wood.

In the two weeks it took to refurbish these I have placed an order for Black Hat Old Kingdom Egyptians which dates the collection to a pre-chariot era. I have given some thought to expanding the collection by adding Nubian and Hyksos, but this idea will be placed on the back burner for the moment.

After painting the Old Kingdom Egyptians, I will construct an
appropriate looking hamlet. I found the Assassin's Creed Origins a good source of inspiration. Cheers,

Tuesday, 12 December 2017

Like the Burgundi, the Suevi have as home
terrain 'forest' until 406 AD. That year benchmarks their migration through Gaul and
Hispania giving them use of arable terrain. In this series, the Greuthingi serve as allies.

The selection of terrain is similar as with the
previous matches, but marsh is now added to the optional selections.

Game 1

Rome secured their deployment having both flanks
secured with woods; each held by auxilia and skirmishers. The legion positioned
in the centre had the support of the clibanarii on its right and the remainder
of the cavalry formed an ample reserve.

Facing them, the Suevi placed all its infantry to form
a strong right flank and in the centre were all the archers with the Greuthingi
allies protecting their left.

The Suevi warband were given the primary task to clear
the wood to their front. The legion and auxilia wheeled their formation to meet
the warband threat. This movement by the legion appeared to expose their flank,
but as the gap widen, the reserve cavalry could be seen moving forward. In that
same instant, dust clouds could be seen forming on the left flank announcing
the arrival of Roman light horse.

The combat on the Roman left became critical as half
the legion fell to the Suevi fury. The arrival of the Roman light horse
prompted the Suevi chieftain to hasten his Greuthingi allies into action.

To counter the barbarian breakthrough on the left,
Roman heavy cavalry crashed into the dense column of infantry. On the right,
the light horse surprised a unit of Greuthingi cavalry. The nobles were saved
by the timely arrival of Suevi skirmishers. The clibanarii, now exposed, became
victim to Suevi archery leaving the Roman commander to call a retreat. Score 5 – 3 for the Suevi.

Game 2

Rome as the defender was caught in the open with only
a river and marsh to cover their right flank. The Suevi could be seen deploying
their dense columns into a battle line while on the opposite bank, Suevi
archers could be seen moving forward into position.

Rome took advantage of the restricted ground and
quickly moved forward; this would also lessen the chance of casualties caused
by archer fire.

Dense columns of Suevi warriors hurled themselves at
the legion as Greuthingi cavalry attacked the supporting unit of clibanarii.
Either the wind or dust clouds were a problem as Suevi archery proved
ineffective.

The inconvenience of the weather did not last long, as
Suevi archers quickly found their mark and the barbarian warband obliterated
the legion leaving the Roman command stunned. Score 4 – 2 for the Suevi.

Game 3

Rome deployed in two lines using the woods to anchor
their right. The lines were formed oblique to the Suevi deployment. The Suevi
positioned their warband columns facing the legion and to their right the
Greuthingi mounted with the Suevi archers deployed on the extreme right.

Maintaining a steady advance was difficult as the Greuthingi
were eager to attack and so the Suevi archers had to quickly move forward or
lose targets to an overeager ally.

As was planned, the earlier deployment in oblique
lines forced the Suevi to commit piecemeal attacks. The attempt to clear the
wood by Suevi skirmishers and warband failed leaving the dense columns to other
option but to move forward. The Greuthingi rushed forward seeing the auxilia
with no cavalry support; they had encircled the Suevi line and were now in a
position to attack.

After a few desperate moments, the legion held their
ground against the Suevi warriors and their chieftain, even the auxilia held
their own against the Greuthingi cavalry, but would the light horse make their
presence felt?

The Suevi chieftain, in desperation, attacked the
Roman commander who was quickly assisted by a unit of skirmishers. The chieftain
held his own against odds, but the field around him became vacant of friendly
troops. With nearly all his infantry gone, he called for a retreat. Score 4 – 3 for the LIR.

Wednesday, 6 December 2017

This test series begins with Rome invading the forest
region between the Thine and the Danube, home to the Burgundi. Two woods are compulsory for the forest dwellers and as
optional features the river and an extra wood were selected.

The wood will impede communication between commander and troops, this is primarily so for the Later Roman as the Burgundi fight in dense columnar formation. As the frontage for both armies may remain narrow, players will need more time to reach a decisive point.

Game 1

Rome, as the attacker caught the Burgundi with their
backs to a river and the sole wood offered meagre protection for their right
flank. Rome’s slow egress from the wooded areas would not dampen their battle
lust by much.

Despite the half hour (two bounds) required to exit
the wooded area, Rome was able to deploy a bold line of troops to meet the
Burgundi. The Burgundi demonstrating less patience to view the martial progress
threw their left wing against the auxilia leaving the wood.

Destroying a unit of auxilia, the Burgundi left pushed
back the second unit deeper into the woods. Wary of a possible flank attack, the
Roman commander signalled a general attack.

In quick succession, both halves of the legion were
destroyed while Burgundian losses were small by comparison. With the arrival of
the light horse (Illyriani and Mauri), the situation looked less desperate.

The Roman left flank had fought well inflicting a
number of casualties, but seeing the light horse repulsed and the Burgundi
clearing the wood on the right, the Roman commander signalled a general
retreat. Score 4 – 3 for the Burgundi.

Game 2

The Burgundi, now the attacker, opted to have the two woods
and river in their deployment area, thus denying the Romans a defensive
position. This left the Romans with one wood and therefore deployed their line
further back from the Burgundi battle line.

The river proved less a problem for the Burgundi than
was expected (class II) as the troops positioned on the right kept pace with
the main battle line.

The Roman left wing easily repulsed the Burgundi
effort to take the wood and this prompted the main Roman battle line to move
forward to meet the barbarian. The Roman commander’s confidence was raised upon
seeing the column of light horse close in on the Burgundi rear.

To counter the threat, the Burgundi chieftain launched
the majority of the warband against the Roman legions and seeing the auxilia
content to not leave the wood, called on a unit of skirmishers to assist
repelling the Roman light horse.

The destruction of the light horse was celebrated by
the chieftain and his guard, but looking back at his centre; the Roman legion
had survived the warband onslaught and broke through. Further downfield, the
clibanarii draco standard could be seen above the heads of his warriors and
with a heavy heart signalled a general retreat. Score 4 – 3 for the LIR.

Game 3

Rome, now the attacker, secured two woods for their
deployment area leaving the Burgundi with a river at their back.

Upon leaving the wood, the Roman battle line left
wheeled and moved forward, leaving the cavalry on the far right to bide their
time and wait for their signal.

The engagement now became general as combat was taking
place up and down the line. To redeem their poor performance in the previous
battle, the light horse swept around the wood to enter unopposed, the rear of
the Burgundi line.

The light horse proved their worth by assisting in the
destruction of the Burgundi skirmishers. Nonetheless, the situation became
serious for Rome as all their legionnaires fell before the warband fury.

The Burgundi had suffered (three elements) heavily,
but the Roman commander looking at his centre now filled by an oncoming wave of
savage barbarians, called a general retreat. Score 5 – 3 for the Burgundi.

Commentary

Of all the test games to date, these were the toughest
games. The terrain required extra time to negotiate, so many bounds were filled
with manoeuvre and no combat. The casualties on both sides were frequently
even, sometimes last several bounds.

Despite the large game board, 80 cm x 80 cm, the
battles were confined to relatively small areas which were due to the river and
three woods. The risk of having troops outside command distance did influence how the
game developed.

Saturday, 2 December 2017

The Ostrogothic army are an unusual combination of
knight class cavalry and skirmishers. The cavalry pose a definite threat to
Roman infantry and if supported by skirmishers they can quickly roll up a Roman
battle line. While Roman cavalry can counter the threat of the cavalry, they
are not of sufficient number to sustain a long engagement against them.

Home terrain for both armies is arable; BUA (hamlet)
is compulsory with two difficult hills and a wood are the selected options.

Game 1

Rome is defending and form their infantry line near
the base of a difficult hill, while the cavalry have taken a position on the
open flank. The Ostrogoth has evenly distributed their skirmishers on each
flank and all their cavalry have formed in the centre.

As a result of poor communication (low pip scores) the
Ostrogothic advance did not move as quickly as planned. Rome took advantage of
the delay to secure the hill. Once secured, the Roman infantry line advanced
forward. In the meantime, the Ostrogothic skirmishers on the right occupied the
Roman cavalry long enough for one of their noble cavalry to catch them in the
flank.

In two successive bounds, two equites were destroyed
leaving a sole Illyriani stunned. In an attempt to retrieve the situation, the
Roman commander moved his infantry line forward supported by the clibanarii.

The Illyriani retreated away from the immediate threat
leaving the Roman left entirely exposed while on the right, the auxilia were
holding their own against the Ostrogothic skirmishers. Emboldened by the
success on the right, the Ostrogothic chieftain led his nobles against the
Roman line eliminating half the legion and a unit of auxilia. With a third of
his army destroyed, Rome called for a general retreat. Score 0 – 4 for the Ostrogoth.

Game 2

Rome defending this time, the Ostrogoth selected a
position denying Rome the use of any terrain. It was a questionable choice as
the noble cavalry could only find sufficient ground to deploy on the extreme
right flank leaving the skirmishers to hold the hamlet and hills.

Rome set a quick pace leaving the Ostrogothic
chieftain no choice but to set priority on holding the high ground and hamlet.

The moment came when the Ostrogoth could deploy his
noble cavalry, but this was only half of their total number.

Rome easily countered the Ostrogothic threat and was
making headway against the skirmishers positioned on the hill and centre.

The effort proved decisive as Rome destroyed half of the
Ostrogothic skirmishers and scattered the rest. The loss of one noble cavalry
convinced the Ostrogothic chieftain tomorrow is another day. Score 1 – 4 for the LIR.

Game 3

For the final battle, the terrain was ideal for both
sides. The Ostrogothic army formed their nobles in the centre and skirmishers
taking positions on either flank. The Romans for their final battle mimicked the
Ostrogothic deployment which caused some consternation.

Unencumbered with armour, Ostrogothic skirmishers kept
pace with their cavalry while Rome marched steadfastly forward leaving a small
distance between battle lines.

The clash of arms echoed across the valley as the
battle lines quickly dissolved into smaller battles. The generals on both sides
were in the thick of the fight with both sides experiencing casualties (2 – 1)
but the Goths were gaining the upper hand.

The defenders in the small isolated battles quickly became
overwhelmed and this earned Rome two more casualties, but the Goths held their
own scoring an equal number bringing the battle to a close. Score 3 – 4 for the Ostrogoth.